CHICAGO (CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM) — Tuesday April 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the state’s Michael A. Bilandic Building has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR award, recognizing it as one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the nation.

The Bilandic Building in Chicago has increased its energy efficiency by nearly 68 percent since 2008, resulting in significantly reduced energy usage and energy cost savings of approximately $100,000 per year.

“We are honored to receive this recognition for our work to improve the energy efficiency of the state’s buildings,” said Governor Quinn. “A cleaner and greener future for Illinois is one of my administration’s top priorities, and this award demonstrates the success of our efforts. We must continue to work together to find ways to further reduce our emissions and protect our environment.”

Renovations and enhancements to the Bilandic building have reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 35 percent. The ENERGY STAR rating requires buildings to perform in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide. The energy improvements made to the Bilandic building place it among the top 20 percent of the nation’s EPA-partnered buildings.

“U.S. EPA congratulates the State of Illinois for earning this Energy Star award,” said EPA Regional Administrator Susan Hedman. “The energy-saving investments that have been made in the Bilandic building will help to reduce air pollution and will save taxpayers’ money.”

As part of the state’s overall efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs, the Department of Central Management Services and Capital Development Board replaced the building’s outdated, inefficient heating and cooling equipment. The energy-saving features at the Bilandic building include a combination of gas-fired boilers for heating operations and electric chillers for air conditioning, as well as upgraded walls, windows, roofing, and electrical and mechanical systems.

The building serves approximately 25,000 people per month, and houses the Illinois Supreme and Appellate Courts, offices, conference space and hearing rooms for the Illinois House of Representatives, the Illinois Senate and multiple state agencies. The building was built in the 1920s and was the original state of Illinois flagship office building in downtown Chicago. At approximately 450,000 square feet, it still represents one of the state’s largest facilities.

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